When the Bucs open their 2022 season against the Cowboys on Sunday night, it could be the beginning of Tom Brady’s final NFL chapter.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported early Sunday morning that sources close to Brady have indicated that his 23rd NFL season will be his last. However, Rapoport did write that those close to the seven-time Super Bowl champion said “emotions are fluid and decisions could come down to who is holding the trophy at the end of the season.”

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Brady has long said he wanted to play until he was 45, and of course, this season will be his age-45 season. His contract with the Bucs expires at the end of this season and he will be a free agent for only the second time in his career. But Rapoport’s story seemed to indicate that Brady wouldn’t go elsewhere for another season.

“Asked if Brady would play for another team after this year, because he’s a free agent, a source close to the QB emphasized greatly the affection Brady has for the Bucs, from the players to the coaches to the front office to the ownership,” Rapoport wrote.

The five-time Super Bowl MVP briefly retired this offseason, only to return after 40 days. His retirement was somewhat surprising, given that he threw for 5,316 yards and 43 touchdowns last year and showed no signs of slowing down. It was also a shock considering the way last season ended for the Bucs, as they came back from a 27-3 second-half deficit in the NFC Divisional Round, only for the Rams to stun them late with a game-winning field goal. Tampa Bay’s season was over, and Los Angeles went on to win the Super Bowl.

With some unfinished business, the greatest quarterback of all time is back and ready to open what very well could be his last ride. For now, his future as a Fox Sports broadcaster will wait.

Brady’s Training Camp Hiatus

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Rapoport’s report also included some information about Brady’s 11-day absence during Bucs training camp. Sources said it included a family trip to the Bahamas. Tampa Bay coaches and management said at the time that it was pre-planned, and that would seem to fit with what Rapoport said, as Brady reportedly was making good on a promise he made to his wife, Gisele Bundchen, and his family during retirement.

“During his time off, the Bucs left him alone to be with his family, fully respectful,” Rapoport wrote. “There were no football conversations, the source said, no playbooks mailed to the Bahamas. It was his personal situation, and they allowed him to live.”

Brady has remained vague when asked about his time off, famously saying he’s 45 and he’s got a lot of “sh*t” going on. The quarterback has also been measured in his responses to questions about whether or not this could be his last year.

“I think we’re all getting one day older at a time,” Brady said this week. “We’re all not sure whether we’re going to be here next year or not, that’s the reality for every player, every coach, every parent. You just never know. We should all take advantage of the opportunity that we have.”

Brady said in January that he wouldn’t want a league-wide retirement tour, as he views that as a distraction. Fellow legendary quarterback Peyton Manning said on The Rich Eisen Show this week that he doesn’t see Brady wanting a season-long retirement tour either.

So, don’t expect Brady to confirm or deny whether he’s planning to retire after the 2022 season. Between talks of it being a “distraction” and the potential for his mind to change, he’ll remain quiet on the subject.

As for the Bucs and their 2022 season, they’re looking to return to the Super Bowl and bring home their second Lombardi Trophy in three seasons. If they can do that, Brady will surely feel content with going out as a winner.